Percussion Ensemble presents Dec. 6 concert, Pulp Friction

December 2, 2008

BEMIDJI, Minn. — An eclectic assortment of recycled household items including phone books, plastic bags and newspapers will become unconventional instruments of rhythm as the Bemidji State University Percussion Ensemble takes to the stage for its holiday concert on Saturday, Dec. 6, opening with a piece entitled “Pulp Friction.”

The 3 p.m. concert will be held in the Thompson Recital Hall of the Bangsburg Fine Arts Complex. Admission is free of charge.

“Our opening piece proves that percussion can be played anytime, anywhere, on anything,” said director Eric Sundeen.

Program titles to be performed on more traditional instruments include: a rock-and-roll holiday arrangement of “Carol of the Bells,” the groovy sounds of “Bound for Marakesh” and the Indonesia rhythms of “Batik.” From Russia, the ensemble will perform “Slavonic Dance No. 7 in C minor” featuring an orchestral collection of percussion instruments including the marimba, xylophone, timpani, snare drums and more.

Senior Doug Quance of Bertha will be featured in the jazz standard “Blue Rondo a la Turk.” In addition, students in Sundeen’s Percussion Methods class, who are preparing to become music educators, will perform two pieces.

The concert will conclude with “Death by Ooga Booga,” a high-intensity piece from the first note to the last.

“As always, the concert is going to be a lot fun,” said Sundeen. “We have a great time practicing and performing this music so please come out and enjoy the show.”

The Percussion Ensemble, now in its 10th year, focuses on classic and contemporary literature. The ensemble concentrates on learning music through reading, technique, listening skills and kinetic memory.

Sundeen, BSU adjunct instructor of percussion studies, is in his fourth music season as the Percussion Ensemble director.

For more information, contact the BSU Department of Music at (218) 755-2915.